24 November 2021, 11:00
While on paper a 4-0 defeat in Arsenal's previous match may not seem ideal, it comes with a caveat that they were playing one of the best teams in the country. Few would dispute that Liverpool, alongside Chelsea and Manchester City, are any less than one of the three teams that will be fighting over the league title this season - a level that Mikel Arteta's haven't quite reached yet despite a recent uplift in form.
Another intriguing clash awaits
In Newcastle United, the Gunners are presented with another unique challenge; that of a club in transition, having recently changed both ownership and manager. Newcastle themselves are one of the bigger clubs in the Premier League on paper and will seek to prove this on the pitch with the help of newfound riches in the next few years. But for now they find themselves still dangerously close to the relegation zone.
Arsenal know, however, that any complacency like they showed against Brentford on the opening day can only end in disappointment. The best way to bounce back from defeat is also to earn a confidence-boosting victory, which will be their main aim no matter how it's achieved on Saturday.
Lack of European trips could prove vital
This week has been another that showcased the best in European talent with the return of the Champions League as it starts to wrap up its group stage; a competition in which Arsenal were once a mainstay and one they are longing to return to. With no long mid-week trips, though, Arsenal legs may prove fresher than their rivals in the push for the top six (or even top four) as the season goes on.
Add to that a youthful team and manager eager to improve, with a goalkeeper who seems to have discovered his best run of form in Aaron Ramsdale, and you have a team for whom tiredness shouldn't be much of an issue. Arsenal's initially bumpy season could yet end in surprise triumph, though their upward trajectory needs a victory here to continue at full steam.